A methodological and theoretical exploration of a two-country, comparative study of collaboration between academics and library staff

Research articles discussing in detail how methodological decisions for a particular study have been made are not common in the literature. The set of choices related to methodological choices must be based on knowledge of research methodology. The present article critically discusses the methodology used for a published study, which explored factors that enable and constrain collaboration between academics and library staff, in universities in two contrasting countries, Australia and Vietnam. A key aim is to provide an understanding of how methodological choices were made, including knowledge of paradigms, methods, and techniques required for the study. Of particular focus is the interaction of methodological choices with the theoretical underpinnings of the research, in this case Giddens' (1984) structuration theory. This article would be beneficial to researchers seeking to evaluate the methodological planning process and its connection with theory development or could serve as a model for researchers wanting to build theory using case study research. •There is a paucity of examples, in journal articles, regarding methodological decision-making.•This article explores methodological decisions for a comparative Australian and Vietnamese study.•The interaction of methodological choices with the theoretical underpinnings was a particular focus.•The article would be useful for the evaluation of methodological planning in connection with theory development.•The study could serve as a model for researchers wanting to build theory using case study research.